Fri Jan 4 12:29:40 2008

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SMU pursuing Hawaii's Jones

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Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - SMU has reportedly offered Hawaii football coach June Jones upwards of $2 million to become head coach of the Mustangs.

The Dallas Morning news cites two sources that say the offer to switch allegiances ranges between $1.7 and $2 million.

Jones is fresh off a 12-1 campaign at the helm for Hawaii, the lone blemish a 41-10 loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. His contract is set to expire this summer, though Hawaii has publicly stated that it is interested in honoring Jones with an extension. Jones has been head coach of the Warriors for the past nine seasons.

SMU is apparently looking to the pro ranks as well, as the program has reportedly had talks with Mike Martz. Martz was most recently the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions before being fired at the end of the season.

The Mustangs suffered through a 1-11 season in 2007, leading to the firing of coach Phil Bennett.

A separate report out of the Honolulu Advertiser says an NFL team is also interested in Jones.